Literacy Specialist

Beyond Support Network•Village of Depew, NY

About The Position

The Literacy Specialist will lead the development and implementation of an inclusive literacy program and school library to support students with diverse learning needs in an 853 school setting. This role involves designing individualized literacy interventions, supporting special education teachers, integrating assistive technology, and creating a literacy-rich environment. The specialist will also be responsible for curating and organizing a school library tailored to the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that all learners have access to engaging and developmentally appropriate reading materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Literacy, Special Education, Library Science, or a related field.
Experience working with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, and other special needs.
Knowledge of IEPs, progress monitoring tools, and structured literacy programs.
Familiarity with assistive technology, AAC devices, and adapted literacy materials.
Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Experience integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed practices into literacy instruction.
Training in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), or other communication supports.

Nice To Haves

New York State certification in Literacy (Birth-6, 5-12) or Special Education preferred.
Experience with library science, book curation, and literacy program development (preferred).
Background in library management or school media services (preferred).

Responsibilities

Develop and implement individualized and group literacy instruction for students with special needs.
Conduct literacy assessments to evaluate reading, writing, and comprehension skills and use data to inform instruction.
Utilize evidence-based literacy interventions such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading System, and multisensory approaches.
Collaborate with special education teachers, therapists, and support staff to align literacy instruction with students' IEP goals.
Integrate assistive technology and augmentative communication tools to support diverse learning needs.
Monitor and document student progress, adjusting strategies based on data and student response.
Establish and manage a school library that is accessible, developmentally appropriate, and engaging for students with disabilities.
Curate a collection of books, audiobooks, and digital literacy resources that meet the needs of diverse learners.
Design and implement library programming, including storytelling sessions, book clubs, and interactive read-alouds.
Introduce adapted books and tactile resources for students with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Provide training for teachers and staff on how to incorporate library resources into literacy instruction.
Foster a culture of reading by organizing literacy-related events such as author visits, reading challenges, and family literacy nights.